I don't remember ever being taught manners by my parents. In truth they are not very polite people. My mother does not go out of her way to say please and thank you. And a "bless you" after a sneeze is unheard of. That being said, I picked it up from somewhere. I think I am a very polite person. I say please and thank-you. To this day I say ma'am and sir even though I am old enough to be a sir.

What amazes me is the number of people who aren't polite. Especially at work. My job is very stressful. We have a limited amount of time to make a lot of stuff happen. It's intense and you have to be "on" from the minute the clock starts ticking. I discovered years ago that "please" and "thank-you" go a long way. It's really doesn't take that much effort and people appreciate knowing that you actually acknowledge their participation in the project. I also think it make them work harder for you.

The people I am currently working for don't prescribe to this philosophy. There are no pleases and thank-you's. There are no words of kindness. Only words of ridicule. Only bitterness. Only bitchiness. It doesn't make you want to work. Most of the time it makes me not want to be there at all. Today was the end of our second week of work. Neither the head guy or the associate thanked their crew for a good weeks work. They didn't let them know they were appreciated. Didn't say a word. When the day was over they packed up their things and went home. Granted we don't expect to be thanked for doing our jobs. But a little appreciation never hurt anyone. Did it?